The Speaker: — I’d just like to welcome all the guests here. I’m going to be introducing my school group soon, but I’d just like to caution everyone that you’re not to take part in the proceedings — no clapping, talking, no recording devices, or pictures. Please enjoy your stay.

STATEMENT BY THE SPEAKER

Question of Privilege

The Speaker: — This morning at 9:34 a.m. I received a letter from the Government House Leader in which he raised a question of privilege in accordance with the provisions of rule 12 of the Rules and Procedures of the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan. The Opposition House Leader was informed of the details of the case. She provided a written response, in accordance with rule 12(4), at 11:24 a.m.

As Speaker, it is my duty to carefully examine the case to determine whether a prima facie case of privilege has been established. As I have not yet had sufficient time to review all matters related to this case, I shall defer my ruling at this time.

ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS

INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS

The Speaker: — And I’ll take the first introduction. There is 14 grade 12 students in the west gallery — you guys can wave, just don’t talk — and they are visiting today, and they are accompanied by their teacher, Russell Dyck. And look forward to seeing you later for a meeting and a photo. Please welcome my school group.

I recognize the Minister of Parks, Culture and Sport.

Hon. Ms. L. Ross: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to request an extended leave introduction.

The Speaker: — Request for an extended introduction has been asked for. Is leave granted?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

The Speaker: — Carried.

Hon. Ms. L. Ross: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To you and through you, I’d like to introduce an extraordinary group of girls seated in the Speaker’s gallery. We are so lucky to have all 15 hockey players from the Regina Rebels U11 [under 11] A team joining us along with their families, their friends, and their coaches.

Mr. Speaker, this is the first and only all-female hockey team in the under 11 A division, which is the highest competitive level in this age bracket. Myself, my colleague the Minister of Justice, along with the Premier had an opportunity to meet with these young trailblazers before sitting in the Assembly today. Mr. Speaker, I was blown away by their passion for their sports and their energy.

So joining us today is Alexa Benoit; Willa Bjolverud; Marlee Frankiewitz; Hailey Gross; Ashlyn Hayes; Presley Malakoff; Liv Morrison; Kaiya Schmidt; Gabrielle Shynkaruk — we’re trying; we’re working it through — Irelyn Crozier; Kennedy Gaudet; Harlow Hardy; Liv Lanigan; Tori Richardson. Last but certainly not least, their goalie, Leah Thomas.

And joining them are a wonderful group of parents, grandparents, and guardians and coaches. Thanks for their support of these athletes, helping them pursue their passion and their success. I’d like to ask all members to join me in welcoming these phenomenal athletes to their Legislative Assembly, congratulating them on their achievements, and wishing them all the best. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Regina Rosemont.

Mr. Wotherspoon: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s a pleasure to join with the member opposite to welcome the U11 A Regina Rebels to their Assembly here today, Mr. Speaker. This team, those are phenomenal athletes that are up there. They’re extraordinary hockey players and they’re trailblazers in Hockey Regina, Mr. Speaker. I know some of the parents that are here as well, here today. I give a shout-out to everybody that’s so invested in the lives of these young hockey leaders here in Regina. I wish this team the best on the ice. I know I’ll see you at the rink. So it’s my pleasure to welcome you.

And I want to give a special shout-out to Principal Graham Hayes sitting up in the top there as well, Mr. Speaker, as well as Nicole Hayes. I had the pleasure of coaching with Graham last year — I should say learning from Graham last year — on the U9 [under 9] Capitals, and Nicole managed that team. It was a finely tuned machine. These are leaders in sport, leaders in our community, as are all the other parents. I just want to give them a very warm welcome to their Assembly. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister of Justice and Attorney General.

Hon. Ms. Eyre: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just want to join with my colleague, the member opposite, and welcome members of the Regina Rebels U11 A hockey team and their families and coaches. As the minister pointed out, this is the first and only all-female hockey team in the under 11 A division, the highest competitive level in this age bracket, who are also playing against boys at equivalent levels. And apparently, Mr. Speaker, when tryouts were held, almost 100 athletes had tried out.

Mr. Speaker, it was a few weeks ago, and it had been a long day. And I turned on the news and saw these incredibly energized and inspiring young women. Some of their comments: “I was so excited that we could play against the boys in the A division.” “We should have a team for the girls to be able to play at a higher level so we can get better.” “I think that girls should have the opportunity to play at the highest level. I don’t think there should be a difference.” One added, “We’re a little nervous about our first game, but we’re probably going to beat the boys.”

I understand that your next game is next week, so all I can say is, go get ’em. Mr. Speaker, please join me in also welcoming these trailblazing young female athletes to their Legislative Assembly.

The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister of Health.

Hon. Mr. Hindley: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. If I could just briefly join the Minister of Parks, Culture and Sport in recognizing the group here. Today there’s a familiar face up in the gallery, Barney Shynkaruk, who is one of the parents there, and his daughter Gabby, who is joining him here today.

Barney is an old friend and colleague of mine. We worked many years ago, back in the late ’90s, together at Golden West Broadcasting in Swift Current. And he was in Shaunavon before getting the big promotion up to Swift Current, and then his media travels took him elsewhere — Lloydminster and now to a few other stops, I think — before ending up here in Regina where he’s working for Harvard Broadcasting, I believe.

And as well in the hockey vein, he and a couple of buddies run a little podcast called the Monday Nooner Podcast. It has been quite popular, getting ex-NHL [National Hockey League] stars. And they talk about senior hockey and a bunch of other things, but just doing a ton of work in that space.

So I just want to join and ask all members in welcoming Barney Shynkaruk and his daughter Gabby to their Legislative Assembly this afternoon.

The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Yorkton.

Mr. Ottenbreit: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Just to briefly join in with my colleagues to introduce a couple of family members up with the under 11 A girls’ hockey. Kaiya Schmidt is the granddaughter of my cousin, Celine Ottenbreit. So I’d like to recognize Kaiya and also my cousin Celine Ottenbreit in the Legislative Assembly.

The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Arm River.

Mr. Skoropad: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To you and through you, Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to introduce to you 19 students from grade 5 from Raymore School, up in the west gallery. Please give a wave. They’re accompanied by their teacher, Megan Metz. I am very much looking forward to meeting with them after question period for a conversation.

And you know, I hear ice cream being mentioned here. You know, oftentimes ice cream is mentioned here. And some of my colleagues deliver; some of them don’t deliver. But I want my constituents to know that I am going to deliver ice cream to them today. Please help me in welcoming them to their Legislative Assembly.

The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Canora-Pelly.

Mr. Dennis: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To you and through you, in your gallery I’d like to introduce three SURAC [Saskatchewan-Ukraine relations advisory committee] members that were here this morning for the meeting and for the Holodomor service. With me today is the chairperson, Gerald Luciuk — give a wave — Alicia Klopoushak, and Jim Shevchuk.

The SURAC is Saskatchewan-Ukrainian relations advisory committee. And they volunteer a lot of time, and they’ve been really busy since the war has started. And I just want to welcome them to their Legislative Assembly and thank them for all the work they do.

The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Saskatoon Fairview.

Ms. Mowat: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On behalf of the official opposition, I want to join in with the member opposite in welcoming these members of SURAC to their Legislative Assembly today.

Gerald, Alicia, and Jim, I want to thank you for the work that you’ve done in supporting community, in representing some very difficult times that the Ukrainian community is going through right now. I think that’s the understatement of the century. I do want to thank you for that continued leadership and to thank you for your presence today for the Holodomor service. And I’d ask all members to join me in welcoming them to their Assembly.

The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Batoche.

Mr. Kirsch: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to introduce a beautiful young lady who 48 years ago consented to be my bride. So if you’d give a wave, Valerie. Thank you.

The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Martensville-Warman.

Mr. Jenson: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To you and through you, I’d also like to join you in welcoming the students from Hague High School here this afternoon. And one particular individual that’s in the west galley this afternoon is Russell Dyck, and Russell was, up until the end of June, the vice-principal at Warman High School. He is a constituent of mine in the Martensville-Warman constituency, and now he is vice-principal of Hague High School.

So as the Minister of Government Relations likes to say, the loss from Warman High School is Hague High School’s gain. So welcome to your Legislative Assembly, Russell.

PRESENTING PETITIONS

The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Saskatoon Fairview.

Ms. Mowat: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise once again today to present a petition to the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan calling for improved mental health services for northern and rural Saskatchewan. I’ve presented this petition a number of times, Mr. Speaker. It is falling on deaf ears from the government.

These citizens wish to bring to our attention that the rate of suicide among Indigenous people is three times higher than non-Indigenous people and that suicide rates of Indigenous people living on-reserve are twice as high as those living off-reserve. We know that the historical and ongoing impacts of colonization, displacement, and intergenerational trauma are related to these high rates of suicide, and the government has a significant role to play in reducing suicide, Mr. Speaker, with meaningful supports.

I’ll read the prayer:

We, in the prayer that reads as follows, respectfully request that the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan call on the Government of Saskatchewan to address and work with vulnerable communities in the North and rural areas and to provide adequate mental health funding and services for northern and rural Indigenous communities.

This is signed by individuals from Saskatoon today, Mr. Speaker. I do so present.

The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Saskatoon Riversdale.

Mr. Friesen: — Mr. Speaker, today I rise to present a petition to the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan. We, the undersigned residents of the province of Saskatchewan, wish to bring to your attention the following: whereas the Trudeau Liberal-NDP [New Democratic Party] coalition carbon tax is one of the main causes of affordability issues and inflation in the nation of Canada; and that the federal government has signalled that the carbon tax does affect Canadians differently by issuing an exemption on home heating oil for Atlantic Canadian provinces.

[13:45]

Further, that the people of Saskatchewan, 85 per cent of whom rely on natural gas to heat their homes, are unfairly left without support from the Liberal-NDP coalition who continue to drive up the cost of living with their price on carbon.

I will read the prayer:

We, in the prayer that reads as follows, respectfully request that the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan take the following action: to call upon the Government of Canada to immediately remove the carbon tax from all home heating costs across Canada, to reduce inflation, and drive down the rising cost of living faced by all Canadians from coast to coast.

The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Saskatoon Meewasin.

Mr. Teed: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to present our petition calling on the Government of Saskatchewan to address the cost-of-living crisis.

Mr. Speaker, Saskatchewan families are feeling the effects of inflation at its highest it’s been in over three decades. More Saskatchewan residents are living paycheque to paycheque, even before transportation and costs skyrocketed in 2022; and that the 32 new tax and fee hikes that the Saskatchewan Party put in place are making life more expensive, all the while harming struggling industries like tourism, culture, and fitness. While other provinces have acted, Mr. Speaker, the Saskatchewan Party has continued to ignore the opposition’s call for a gas price relief plan.

Mr. Speaker, we know that affordability is one of the levers that the Saskatchewan Party has in its toolbox. Families are asking them to take action on this file. I will read the prayer:

We, in the prayer that reads as follows, respectfully request that the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan call on the Government of Saskatchewan to meaningfully address the affordability crisis in Saskatchewan.

The undersigned live in Regina. I do so present.

The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Regina Douglas Park.

Ms. Sarauer: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise in the House again today to call on the government to improve labour laws in Saskatchewan. Those who have signed this petition wish to bring to our attention the following: that even after the October 1st increase, Saskatchewan’s minimum wage remains the lowest in Canada. In addition, Mr. Speaker, the official opposition has twice introduced paid sick leave legislation since the onset of the pandemic, calling for a minimum of 10 paid sick days each year and 14 days during a public health crisis. Paid sick leave has been proven to save employers money while making workplaces healthier and safer for all workers.

Mr. Speaker, 71 per cent of workers in Canada have experienced workplace violence and/or harassment, and much more needs to be done to ensure that workplaces in Saskatchewan are harassment free.

I’d like to read the prayer:

We, in the prayer that reads as follows, respectfully request the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan call on the Government of Saskatchewan to improve conditions for Saskatchewan workers by passing legislation to increase the minimum wage, guarantee paid sick leave, limit nondisclosure agreements which could silence survivors of workplace harassment, and require employers to track and report incidents of violence and harassment in the workplace.

Those who’ve signed this petition today come from Regina. I do so present.

STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Regina Douglas Park.

National Holodomor Awareness Week

Ms. Sarauer: — I stand before you during this National Holodomor Awareness Week with a profound sense of remembrance and reverence. This week we come together to honour the memory of millions who perished in one of history’s most tragic and devastating man-made famines.

I had the privilege of attending the 90th anniversary commemoration event right here at the legislature. It was a poignant reminder of the immense suffering endured by the Ukrainian people during the Holodomor. The story shared in the moments of reflection underscored the importance of never forgetting this dark chapter of history.

As we mark this occasion it’s impossible to ignore the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The echoes of the past resonate in the present struggles faced by the Ukrainian people. Their resilience in the face of adversity is a testament to the indomitable human spirit.

During this week, as we pay homage to the lives lost during the Holodomor, let us also recommit ourselves to advocating for justice, human rights, and peace. We stand in solidarity with Ukraine and support efforts to bring an end to the conflict, ensuring a future where such tragedies never occur again.

May the memory of those who suffered and perished during the Holodomor remain a guiding light compelling us to strive for a world where dignity, compassion, and peace prevail.

The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Canora-Pelly.

Mr. Dennis: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This week is Holodomor Awareness Week in Canada. From November 20th to the 26th we remember and bring awareness to the 90th anniversary of intentional starvations, deportations, and executions of the Ukrainian people by the communist Russian regime.

Mr. Speaker, during the Holodomor, the Soviet regime killed millions of Ukrainians by starving them of grain and agriculture. Stalin declared food to be illegal for Ukrainian farmers, and Soviet troops confiscated the grain and livestock. Farmers found to be hiding grain were shot and often tortured. The Soviet blocked villages from receiving food to ensure that people suffered. People ate grass, tree bark, and anything to help themselves from starving. The word “holodomor” literally translated from Ukrainian means “death by hunger.”

Holodomor has only been recognized as an act of genocide in 16 countries, Canada being one. Holodomor was a terrible atrocity resulting in unnecessary death of millions. We will continue to remember Holodomor and the millions of lives that were lost.

And today, Mr. Speaker, Russian atrocities continue to be perpetrated against Ukrainian people. The war in Ukraine has now lasted nearly two years and shows no sign of ending soon. And that’s why the Ukrainian Canadian Congress uses the motto of the 2023 Holodomor Remembrance Day:

[The hon. member spoke for a time in Ukrainian.]

In English: “We remember, we unite, and shall overcome.”

Slava Ukraini. Vichnaya pamyat. Dyakuyu.

The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Regina University.

Federal Government Energy Regulations

Ms. A. Young: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In this legislature we often have disagreements over the priorities of Saskatchewan residents and what policies will best serve them. However there are issues so important to Saskatchewan and the future that this House reaches agreement to reinforce a united position.

The federal government continues to pursue electricity regulations that are unrealistic for Saskatchewan. Historically we’ve depended on fossil fuel generation to meet our electrical needs. We also know that we must act to address climate change. This tired and out-of-touch federal government needs to give their heads a shake when it comes to their clean electricity regulations. They need to recognize the realities of what net zero will mean for our electrical system, and in the same way that the feds have funded Ontario, Manitoba, Newfoundland, they need to step up to the plate, not into the ring.

The federal government needs to immediately offset the costs of low-emission and new renewable power generation for Saskatchewan. Is it possible to achieve 2035 when this tired and out-of-touch Sask Party government sat on its hands for 15 years denying climate change? No.

Ninety per cent of life is showing up, and these governments just seem interested in the fight. Mr. Speaker, this is too important. The people of Saskatchewan deserve leadership and transparency, not condescension, squabbling, and smokescreens.

The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Saskatoon Riversdale.

Movember Raises Money and Awareness

Mr. Friesen: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. You guessed it — it’s another great day in Saskatchewan. Mr. Speaker, you sport a moustache and our colleague from Cannington also sports a great moustache. I tried but I could not, however, convince him to shave it and regrow it, although I’m sure if I had, a few of us would’ve loved to have seen what that looked like.

Mr. Speaker, I do not normally have a moustache, but I believe prostate cancer and mental health awareness are so important. Mr. Speaker, we are in the middle of Movember. That’s right, Movember. This is the month where globally communities gather together, raising money and awareness and making a difference in mental health and suicide prevention, prostate and testicular cancer awareness, as critical detection is key.

This has been a fun way to get involved and my third year of having a Movember space. This year the member from Yorkton and our newest member from Lumsden-Morse have joined the team. Mr. Speaker, more commonly, mental health and suicide need to be spoken of more publicly. Annually, Mr. Speaker, every minute of every day the world loses a man to suicide.

Since 2003 Movember has funded over 1,250 men’s health projects around the world. Mr. Speaker, today I wanted to rise and raise my voice and sport my stache in support of great projects like Movember. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Prince Albert Northcote.

Prince Albert Literacy Network Receives Literacy Award

Ms. A. Ross: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am very proud to recognize the work of the Prince Albert Literacy Network. In September I had the privilege of presenting the P.A. [Prince Albert] Literacy Network with the Council of the Federation Literacy Award for their efforts in raising literacy rates in Prince Albert.

The premiers of Canada created the award nearly 20 years ago to recognize the important work done by literacy groups in the provinces.

The P.A. Literacy Network provides free literacy programming for all ages, including family literacy kits and story sacks, free little libraries, story walks, financial literacy workshops, and tutoring. They have also focused on four Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and are including cultural parenting and early childhood programs, eliminating education and employment gaps, and drafting new Indigenous education legislation that protects languages and treaty relationships and programs.

I have also heard from families who have immigrated to Saskatchewan to give their children the opportunity to learn, grow, and hope for a brighter future. Organizations like the P.A. Literacy Network are critical resources for anyone looking to improve themselves and their families.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that all members join me in recognizing the work of the Prince Albert Literacy Network and congratulate them on being awarded our province’s Literacy Award. Thank you.

The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Melville-Saltcoats.

Potash Company Is a Global Industry Leader

Mr. Kaeding: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We have talked many times in this House about a world-leading potash industry and how proud we are of that sustainable story. In fact I have two major companies operating in and around my constituency of Melville-Saltcoats, supporting over a thousand families in their workforce.

And, Mr. Speaker, I am now proud to announce that Mosaic potash company will be part of the Saskatchewan delegation of over 40 companies and organizations joining the Premier at COP28 [Conference of Parties 28].

Saskatchewan continues to lead the province in the production of potash, which emits 50 per cent fewer emissions and is more sustainably produced here than in any jurisdiction in the world. Mr. Speaker, Mosaic is a responsible company and a global industry leader in this space, and we are so excited that they are joining us in Dubai to tell their sustainable story.

Mosaic has four key sustainability focus areas: people, environment, society, and company. With multiple ambitious targets for the next several years, I know we are excited to see what Mosaic can accomplish. With their unwavering focus on safety, commitment to efficient work, and sense of responsibility, Mosaic is a perfect example of the work done here in Saskatchewan to maintain the sustainable production levels that we have seen in years past.

Again, Mr. Speaker, we are so proud that Mosaic will be part of the Saskatchewan story told this year at COP28. Thank you.

The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Yorkton.

Thanks to Legislative District Security Unit

Mr. Ottenbreit: — Mr. Speaker, I rise in this House today with a very special thank you. Yesterday an unprecedented event took place here in this Chamber, an event that ruined the day at the legislature for many. It’s important to acknowledge and thank Dani Herman and the entire legislative district security unit for keeping everyone safe yesterday. Their professionalism ensured the safety of not only those who work in the Assembly, but also other guests like the two school groups whose visit to the Assembly was ruined by the selfish and disruptive actions of the protesters and those who organized the activities.

Some in this Chamber were not supportive of the LDSU, or the legislative district security unit, but on this side of the House we are extremely grateful to the team that helped to keep everyone in this building safe and allowed everyone to get home safe to their families last night.

I ask all members to join me in thanking the legislative district security unit for their grace under pressure and their professionalism in dealing with the unfortunate events of yesterday. To Dani and your entire team, thank you and God bless.

QUESTION PERIOD

The Speaker: — I recognize the Leader of the Opposition.

Gender-Based Violence, Supports for Women, and Protests in the Public Galleries

Ms. Beck: — Mr. Speaker, yesterday the Premier called the member for Cut Knife-Turtleford’s actions “disgusting and vile.” On that, Mr. Speaker, we can agree. He declared his decision to expel that member from caucus “a very strong statement.”

Mr. Speaker, StatsCan data released today show that women in this province face intimate partner violence at a rate well double the national average, the highest of all the provinces. And this Sask Party government’s lack of action and urgency to address this issue is also a very strong statement. And you know what else is a strong statement, Mr. Speaker? Inviting a convicted wife killer to the Throne Speech.

Does the Premier not understand the consistent failure to address this very serious issue is the strongest statement on this government’s stance on violence against women?

[14:00]

The Speaker: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Mr. Moe: — The Leader of the Opposition is correct. Yesterday, actually back to Friday, I had made a very strong statement with respect to a member of the Legislative Assembly. I believe, Mr. Speaker, and I quote, the words were, “We need to work together on the floor of this Assembly and as a government to support vulnerable women, not exploit them.”

Mr. Speaker, as leader you are faced with difficult decisions from time to time. And myself as leader, I made a difficult decision this past week. But it was very swift, had harsh consequences, and I would say that ultimately is necessary, Mr. Speaker.

I would say today the Leader of the Opposition is faced with an equally difficult decision, Mr. Speaker, with what we saw, unprecedented activity in this . . . shutting down, shutting down this Assembly for the first time in history to my awareness.

We’ve seen now, Mr. Speaker, the NDP which is a collection, a collection of extremist individuals. And so will the Leader of the Opposition actually look into extremist individuals in her party, Mr. Speaker, to ensure they had nothing to do with the unprecedented activity of yesterday?

The Speaker: — I recognize the Leader of the Opposition.

Ms. Beck: — Mr. Speaker, I understand that that Premier . . . Mr. Speaker, I understand that that Premier is in search of a defence for what his member was charged with, but that is honestly beyond the pale.

If it’s a strong statement you’re looking for, Mr. Speaker, last month every Sask Party MLA [Member of the Legislative Assembly] on that side voted to ban sexual assault prevention education in our kids’ schools. That includes the member for Cut Knife-Turtleford. Mr. Speaker, those centres taught students about consent and healthy relationships. Now they’re forbidden in Saskatchewan schools. Meanwhile at last count, we have over 290 people on the wait-list for sexual assault counselling, Mr. Speaker, and in the North that wait for victims of sexual assault is three to six months.

Does this Premier think this record is a strong enough statement on this government’s attitude towards consent?

The Speaker: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Mr. Moe: — Mr. Speaker, not once over the course of the last number of days did you hear me defend in any way the actions that were reported on and charged with respect to the member from Cut Knife-Turtleford last week, Mr. Speaker.

What we saw yesterday was unprecedented in this Assembly. In fact halting, halting, Mr. Speaker, the democratic process, halting the democratic process for the first time in the history of this province. And so my question, Mr. Speaker: is the Leader of the Opposition defending the extremist members in their caucus or is she going to root them out and make the difficult decision around the consequences that should be delivered?

The Speaker: — I recognize the Leader of the Opposition.

Ms. Beck: — Mr. Speaker, a sitting member of that government was caught in a human trafficking sting, and this is what we hear from this Premier. Now yesterday we heard the Premier talk about his decision to fund second-stage shelters. But I hardly think that this government should be patting themselves on the back, Mr. Speaker. We were the second-last province in the whole country to do so despite consistently, since 2009, having the highest rates, double the national average, of intimate partner violence, Mr. Speaker.

And when people see this government, with that kind of action we just saw from that Premier . . . being charged in human trafficking, it raises, it raises serious questions for those impacted.

What does the Premier have to say to Saskatchewan people, to Saskatchewan women who see this pattern of behaviour from that government and their terrible record on keeping women in this province safe?

The Speaker: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Mr. Moe: — As I indicated yesterday, there’s supports have been put in place and there’s going to be amendments to the human trafficking Act, Mr. Speaker, introduced very, very shortly on the floor of this Assembly.

Mr. Speaker, in addition to that, in addition to that, as leader we made a very difficult decision but a very harsh and swift decision regarding that member. Mr. Speaker, will the Leader of the Opposition, is she willing to do the same kind of hard work ensuring that none of her members were involved in shutting down democracy in the province of Saskatchewan? And if they were, will she meter out the same consequences?

The Speaker: — Order. I recognize the member from Saskatoon Fairview.

Access to Cancer Diagnostic Services and Protests in the Public Galleries

Ms. Mowat: — Mr. Speaker, when a Saskatchewan person has a cancer scare or needs a test, waiting in uncertainty for months is unacceptable. We’re doing 10,000 fewer mammograms than before the pandemic, and we’ve been asking about this for over a month.

What is the plan to increase the number of scans? When will mammograms be running at full capacity again?

The Speaker: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Mr. Moe: — Mr. Speaker, as we talked about mammography care in eight different communities across the province, 40 different communities being offered mobile services, 183 per cent in cancer care investment in this province. And the Minister of Health is currently working with private delivery agents, Mr. Speaker, so that we can publicly fund that care and those services throughout Saskatchewan to get the outcomes that Saskatchewan people expect.

Mr. Speaker, in addition to that, with what happened here yesterday there’s a question on the floor of this Assembly for the Leader of the Opposition. Is she going to ensure that none of her members were involved in shutting down democracy for the first time in the history of Saskatchewan, and if so, Mr. Speaker, is she courageous enough to meter out the consequences necessary?

The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Saskatoon Fairview.

Ms. Mowat: — Mr. Speaker, for this Premier to equate criminal charges for sex trafficking with a disruption in democracy says everything we need to know about that government.

Mr. Speaker, the question was for the Minister of Health, and the question was about mammograms. This is their record: 10,000 fewer scans every year since before the pandemic. Staff are burnt-out and the government’s health human resources plan isn’t working. We’ve been asking about this issue for over a month. We’re talking about people, families, who don’t know whether they have cancer, Mr. Speaker.

What is the plan to increase the number of scans? When will mammograms be up and running at capacity again?

The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister of Health.

Hon. Mr. Hindley: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is an issue of utmost priority for this government and for families and women right across this province.

And I have had the opportunity to meet with breast cancer survivors and advocates throughout the past number of weeks, as recently as yesterday with a couple of individuals who were here in the Assembly to meet with me to tell me their personal stories, Mr. Speaker, and to work with us to provide solutions and ideas and options to help address the challenges we face right now when it comes to mammography services.

Mr. Speaker, as the Premier indicated, we are exploring all options. Every single option is on the table right now, including looking outside of our borders, looking to other jurisdictions, looking to private providers through the publicly funded system to be able to provide services when it comes to diagnostic breast mammography and also breast biopsies as well, and working very closely between our officials here in Saskatchewan and those officials in other jurisdictions to see if we can access some of those services in order to reduce the wait times here until services are stabilized here in Saskatchewan, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Saskatoon Fairview.

Ms. Mowat: — Mr. Speaker, that minister’s comments show he doesn’t even have faith in his own health human resources plan.

It’s not just mammograms where this tired and out-of-touch government is failing to deliver. They’re failing across the board on diagnostics. Biopsies are the next step after a scan, one that’s needed to determine if a cancer is present. And on biopsies too, people are waiting longer and longer for an appointment. Delayed scans lead to delayed biopsies, lead to delayed treatment. It all leads to worse outcomes for patients.

When will we see a plan to get Saskatchewan women the cancer care they need when they need it?

The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister of Health.

Hon. Mr. Hindley: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There is a very comprehensive plan right across this health care sector, Mr. Speaker, as we talked about over the past number of months, adding 1,000 more new health care providers in this province across a number of different health care designations to build upon the very valuable health care teams that we have here in Saskatchewan.

As I said previously, we’re exploring all of our options when it comes to mammography and also breast biopsy, looking outside of our borders to see if there’s an opportunity to partner with private providers through the publicly funded system in order to cut down these wait times while we stabilize these services, Mr. Speaker.

I would inform the House, Mr. Speaker, that we are conducting . . . And while we do address and recognize that we do have wait-lists that are unacceptable right now that we do need to address, we are increasing the number of biopsies that are being done. In calendar year 2019 there were 1,255 breast biopsies done in Saskatchewan. Thus far in the first six months of this year, 1,028 breast biopsies. Nearly as many in six months as we had done in an entire year just several years ago. And we’re going to continue to build that capacity, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Regina Elphinstone-Centre.

Emergency Hotel Stays Paid by Social Services and Protests in the Public Galleries

Ms. Conway: — Well, Mr. Speaker. A lot has happened this morning. I’m just going to slow down for a second and remind folks that we have a Premier who has just equated being charged criminally in a human trafficking ring with a peaceful disruption of this Legislative Assembly, not a month after the fact that this government, these defenders of democracy, invoked the notwithstanding clause to run roughshod over the rights of children and ignored a judge’s ruling in doing so.

And I understand why they are desperate to change the channel, Mr. Speaker, because of questions like the Sunrise Motel. So to the minister — I know he doesn’t want to talk about this — is he ready to table the information that I requested on the Sunrise Motel?

The Speaker: — I recognize the Government House Leader.

Hon. Mr. J. Harrison: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The minister will I’m sure address that, the next question. I’m going to address the preamble.

What we saw here yesterday was an attack on democracy orchestrated by that member and at least one more member on that side, Mr. Speaker, who organized, who colluded with, and who participated, and who high-fived at the end of it.

This House was shut down for the first time in the history of this Assembly. We had to shut this Chamber down because of grave disorder, Mr. Speaker. That Leader of the Opposition condoned this, Mr. Speaker. What the Premier has challenged the Leader of the Opposition to do is take action and hold those members accountable. Will she do it?

The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Regina Elphinstone-Centre.

Ms. Conway: — Mr. Speaker, if the House Leader thinks that he can, by making base and unfounded personal accusations, he can deter me from doing my job, he is mistaken.

So again to the Minister of Social Services: is he prepared to table how much money has he paid out through his ministry to the Sunrise Motel since 2020; what rates were charged; what are the ministry policies around hotel use? I know they want to change the channel, but we expect those answers today.

The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister of Social Services.

Hon. Mr. Makowsky: — Mr. Speaker, same channel as last week. We’re continuing to work with individuals who are most vulnerable to find shelter spaces for them. But also be able, if there is an overflow situation, emergency situation, we’ll work with the limited number of hotels in our major centres, Mr. Speaker.

So I do have some numbers here today. $40 million towards a provincial approach to homelessness, Mr. Speaker, that was announced a couple of weeks ago. In terms of the hotel the member talked about, $172,000 was expended in 2022‑23. Total for the ministry in all areas is $2.25 million.

So again, the Leader of the Opposition has talked about keeping people safe. A lot of times in child and family, we do have emergency spaces needed for people in vulnerable positions facing violence, Mr. Speaker. That will continue; we’ll look after them.

The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Regina Elphinstone-Centre.

Ms. Conway: — Well, Mr. Speaker, it’s a start but it’s a far cry from providing us with answers to the questions we’ve asked. And the answers they have provided on this hotel don’t hold water.

[14:15]

The Sask Party has said that the member from Regina Northeast, the one that owns the Sunrise Motel, has nothing to do with the day-to-day operations of that business. But we know that Evelyn Harper called again about getting her damage deposit, as recently as yesterday, and was told that all of that information, all of those requisitions, all of those receipts are out of country and have been taken away to California.

Does the Minister of Social Services stand by his answer in the Assembly that the MLA in question has nothing to do with the day-to-day operations of the hotel, one where public dollars appear to have been wasted?

The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister of Social Services.

Hon. Mr. Makowsky: — Mr. Speaker, in terms of requisitions the member opposite talked about, my understanding from the ministry is those are part of a child and family file and so they’re not able to share those based on confidentiality.

We use some of the same policies as the NDP, Mr. Speaker, you know, a long-time policy to not have damage deposits. It seems hotels generally charge a different rate with a higher risk for some of the clients within Social Services. We don’t have contracts. I want to repeat that once again: we don’t have contracts. We do have a limited number of hotels in Regina willing to work with the ministry to provide the services we need on an emergency basis, Mr. Speaker.

I have asked the officials to review our policies on this in light of this matter, Mr. Speaker. We’ll continue to work to find a balance between taxpayer dollars and safety and security for those most vulnerable clients out there, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Regina Elphinstone-Centre.

Ms. Conway: — Nope, Mr. Speaker, that was not the question. The question was about the member for Regina Northeast and whether the minister stands by his statement, the one where he told the Assembly that the member for Northeast has nothing to do with the day-to-day operations of the hotel. The coincidental disappearance of these records to California makes that very hard to believe.

Again does the minister stand by his statement that the member has nothing to do with the day-to-day operations of the Sunrise Motel? Does he still think there’s nothing to see here, in a case where the rate was jacked up 50 per cent as soon as the public was picking up the tab?

The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister of Social Services.

Hon. Mr. Makowsky: — Mr. Speaker, I’ve said several times before I don’t direct where caseworkers send clients. Nobody in the government does. That’s up to the ministry and the caseworkers. There are a limited number of hotels in each of our centres that are willing to take on those clients. And the ministry does work to get the best available rate. And there’s various factors — we talked about that before as well — that goes into those costs, Mr. Speaker.

So again in an emergency, which was the first questions related by the Leader of the Opposition, in terms of keeping people safe and looking after them, Mr. Speaker, that’s what we’re going to do, we’re going to continue to do. I’ve asked the ministry to look at different options and how we might again have the best in terms of efficiency but also again looking after people. That’s my main concern, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Regina Rosemont.

Fuel Tax and Fiscal Management

Mr. Wotherspoon: — Mr. Speaker, Saskatchewan people can’t afford to continue to pick up the tab for the choices and mismanagement of that tired and out-of-touch government. They’re struggling badly with the cost of living and a government that’s only made it worse. They’ve got mortgages that they struggle to pay. They’ve got power bills that many can’t even bear to look at. They’re having costs pile up at the till because of the PST [provincial sales tax] hikes of that government, representing the biggest tax hike in Saskatchewan’s history.

It’s all too much. People need relief. We put forward a motion calling on that government to suspend the fuel tax for six months to give folks a break at the pump. That government’s now had a few days, a week to consider this call. Will they finally agree to offer people needed relief and suspend the fuel tax now?

The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister of Finance.

Hon. Ms. Harpauer: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As the member opposite is well aware, this government decided to do the affordability tax credit which was $500 for every individual who files taxes, which is more than the break that he is suggesting. However are people better off in the provinces where they have forgone their particular fuel tax?

Well let’s talk about Manitoba. Mr. Speaker, in Manitoba they have to pay taxes on 19,800 more of their income than they do in Saskatchewan. Saskatchewan has more tax-free dollars than Manitoba, and Manitoba has a higher PST, Mr. Speaker. In British Columbia — he loves British Columbia; it’s an NDP province of course — in British Columbia they pay taxes on 19,300 more dollars of their income than they do in Saskatchewan and their PST is also higher. So which province are they better off?

But again what this government is going to do is we will no longer be collecting . . .

The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Regina Rosemont.

Mr. Wotherspoon: — Mr. Speaker, you know, that minister always has a deflection for me but no action for the people of this province as they face a crushing cost of living. You know, we’ve knocked on doors. We talk to people. Whether it’s at the doorsteps or at the rinks or at the grocery stores or anywhere through the community, the number one challenge that people are facing, the number one thing we hear is, we need a break.

Families need a break to catch up on their bills. This six-month break on the fuel tax would save them $350. That’s real money that they can use. Real money, real families. They need the relief. Why can’t that government wake up to this reality? And why won’t that out-of-touch government listen to people and scrap the gas tax now?

The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister of Finance.

Hon. Ms. Harpauer: — Well, Mr. Speaker, don’t let the facts get in the way of a good rant with that member quite frankly. Because as I said, the 500 affordability tax credit was $450 million into the pockets of Saskatchewan citizens. The tax cuts on the personal income tax is $760 million into the pockets of our citizens.

And now we have announced that as of January 1st, SaskEnergy will no longer be collecting the carbon tax on home residential heating fuel. Mr. Speaker, that will put 400 more dollars into the pockets of our citizens, which again is more than what the NDP are proposing.

The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Regina Rosemont.

Mr. Wotherspoon: — Time and time again, Mr. Speaker, we see a government that’s so tight with providing the needed relief that Saskatchewan people deserve. But when it comes to their own pet projects, Mr. Speaker, well it’s a different story.

Then it’s a story of waste, waste, waste and mismanagement — a million bucks for Dubai, $11 million for a settlement with one of their biggest donors in a sweetheart deal gone wrong here in Wascana Park, 200 bucks at the Sunrise Motel, the GTH [Global Transportation Hub], the bypass. The list goes on and on.

Why does this government keep prioritizing waste over families that are breaking the bank just to fill the tank?

The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister of Finance.

Hon. Ms. Harpauer: — Mr. Speaker, I know that the member opposite wants to ignore this, but a family of four in Saskatchewan pays no tax on their first $56,550 of income. What was that under the NDP when the NDP had the honour of governing? Well that was $26,150. That means that families today keep 30,400 more dollars in their pocket tax free than they did when the NDP were in power.

But let’s just talk about the NDP and what they have promised so far. They want to deliver a cost-of-living rebate. They say that’s $125 million. They want to pause the gas tax. That’s $250 million. They want to scrap the PST on the expansion, which is $18 million — restaurant meals, kids’ clothes. They want to reduce the PST by 1 per cent. Scrap it on construction. They want to increase health care spending, increase education spending. Let’s just pick 10 per cent. They want to freeze power rates. Mr. Speaker, that’s $2.6 billion they are talking about.

The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Regina Douglas Park.

Provision of Addictions Treatment Services

Ms. Sarauer: — Mr. Speaker, the world keeps finding new and terrible ways to tell us about the failing record of that Sask Party government. A new report from Statistics Canada shows that Prince Albert had the most methamphetamine and cocaine in its wastewater per capita in Canada.

I’ll say it again: Statistics Canada has reported that P.A. has the most methamphetamine and cocaine in its wastewater per capita in the entire country. One more report to tell us what we already know. Drugs like fentanyl and cocaine and crystal meth are laying waste to Saskatchewan people and communities at a horrendous rate that is all too often the worst in Canada. And under this Sask Party government, this crisis keeps getting worse.

When is this government going to get serious about treatment and make sure that it is there where and when it is needed?

The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions.

Hon. Mr. T. McLeod: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I thank the member opposite for the question because we are taking this matter very seriously, and that’s why we have introduced a new action plan for mental health and addictions, which is one of the most ambitious plans in the country to address this problem.

We are expanding the capacity of our mental health treatment, more than 500 additional spaces to treat addictions, Mr. Speaker. We are improving the system to make it easier for individuals to access those spaces. And once in that space, we are offering a recovery-oriented system of care so that those individuals receive wraparound supports to ensure that they follow the path to recovery and live healthy lives beyond their addiction. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker: — Why is the Government Deputy House Leader on her feet?

Hon. Ms. Carr: — Point of order, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker: — State your point of order.

POINT OF ORDER

Hon. Ms. Carr: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the member from Saskatoon University made a very lewd gesture during question period. I will not describe this on the floor of the House but if you review the video, you will see it. Mr. Speaker, if that member has any character she’ll stand in her place and apologize right now.

The Speaker: — I recognize the Opposition House Leader.

Ms. Sarauer: — Mr. Speaker, I was paying attention to question period. I have no idea what the member opposite is talking about. I ask you to review the record and make a ruling.

The Speaker: — I will, we will review the Hansard and see if there’s any gesture that is public. I recognize the Opposition House Leader.

Ms. Sarauer: — Point of order, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker: — State your point of order.

Ms. Sarauer: — Mr. Speaker, during question period today, the Government House Leader made a personal charge and accusation against the member for Regina Elphinstone. He knows full well that that is against the rules, in particular rule 51(f). I ask the member to apologize and withdraw.

The Speaker: — I recognize the Government House Leader.

Hon. Mr. J. Harrison: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I believe these matters are before you for adjudication in terms of the facts under dispute. But the member for Elphinstone made a very serious personal accusation against the member for Regina Northeast as well. Maybe she should withdraw and apologize also.

The Speaker: — I will take that under advisement.

ORDERS OF THE DAY

GOVERNMENT ORDERS

ADJOURNED DEBATES

SECOND READINGS

Bill No. 138

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Mr. McMorris that Bill No. 138 — The Workers’ Compensation (Extending Firefighter Coverage) Amendment Act, 2023 be now read a second time.]

The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Regina Elphinstone-Centre.

Ms. Conway: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think I heard that we’re on to adjourned debates and Bill No. 138. Is that where we are? Okay, it’s a little hard to hear in here.

Mr. Speaker, oh, this is a welcome bill. At least portions of this bill are very welcome by this opposition. This is a bill that adds six new cancers, protective cancers. Occupational diseases listed, including penile, pancreatic, thyroid, laryngeal, mesothelioma, soft tissue sarcoma are all added now under this Act. And so we have provided in Saskatchewan here the broadest coverage in Canada.

There’s also a provision in this bill, Mr. Speaker, that removes mandatory coverage for the Workers’ Compensation Board executive officers, but adds it for students in recognized programs.

You know, it’s hard to hear myself think over the House Leader, Mr. Deputy Speaker, the Government House Leader, who waged some accusations earlier here. But you know, I’m not even mentioned in the letter that he penned. I’m a little perplexed, Mr. Deputy Speaker, but . . .

The Deputy Speaker: — I’d like the member to stick with the bill if she wouldn’t mind.

[14:30]

Ms. Conway: — I’ll stay focused, Mr. Deputy Speaker. So all to say that this is a bill that will provide compensation for permanent functional impairment over five years, from a minimum of 4,000 to a maximum of 82.2 thousand — about double the current coverage, Mr. Deputy Speaker.

Now again in broad strokes we’re certainly very supportive of some of the changes under this bill. The presumptive, the scope of presumptive coverage for cancers, Mr. Deputy Speaker, this is not only something that is sorely needed in this province, it’s something that we have certainly been amplifying the voices of the firefighting community around, Mr. Speaker, as well as paramedics.

And while we wish that these weren’t necessary steps, this is unfortunately the reality of their professions. They put themselves in harm’s way every time they go to do a shift, Mr. Deputy Speaker. And for that they have our respect, our thanks, and our recognition. And it’s nice to see this Sask Party government finally step forward with some action on this front as well.

So I know that I’ve had several colleagues that have spoken to this. We’ve all heard from firefighters within our community. I’m very privileged, as the member for Regina Elphinstone-Centre, to be home to the fire hall of the local firefighters’ Local 181. I’ve sat down with Tyler Packham, their president, on several occasions to talk to them about this, these needed changes. He’s a great guy, Mr. Deputy Speaker. He’s a tremendous advocate and he has a really interesting background, some of which is literally permanently displayed on his sleeves.

He has some absolutely incredible tattoos, Mr. Speaker, that speak to kind of the working-class background of his family. He’s very proud of what they’ve done. He’s very proud of what he has done as a firefighter. And he’s very proud of his brothers and sisters within that community, and he’s been a tireless advocate for them. According to the member from Regina Rosemont, he’s also a decent hockey player, so you have that on good authority.

There is a conversation right now about other presumptive cancers, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Of course we know that men, for example, are perhaps overrepresented in some of these professions — firefighting, paramedic professions — but there are also many, many women in these professions. And there’s been some talk about expanding coverage to breast cancer, for example, as well as, you know, other front-line heroes such as nurses who could maybe benefit from some of that coverage. So this is one step, Mr. Deputy Speaker. It’s not the end of the conversation but it’s a needed step forward in this regard.

We do have, I should note, some other questions about some of the changes under this bill. The bill changes the definition of “worker” to remove executive officers. We’re not sure why this is being changed but we have questions about it. Why are people being removed from the scope of coverage? How does this compare to other provinces? And certainly we don’t want to see a situation where this Sask Party government is giving with one hand and taking away from another, so we’ll be working diligently to understand the consequences and the impact of those changes.

There’s a change within the Act to simplify the medical review panel process. We don’t know exactly what that’s going to look like. We want to ensure maximum accessibility and ability of a claimant to participate in that process obviously, Mr. Deputy Speaker, so we need to look at that more closely.

The indexing of the permanent functional impairment award and the independence allowing, how do these figures compare to other jurisdictions? What’s happening elsewhere? Are we protecting our firefighters and paramedics to the extent that we should, particularly as compared to other jurisdictions? These are all really important questions.

We will be consulting with stakeholders to gather feedback around the changes to this legislation, but we do all just want to hold space for the fact that these additional new cancers were included with this bill. This is something we’ve been calling on this government to do for years and, really more accurately, the firefighter and paramedic community has been calling on this government to do for years. We have done our best to amplify those voices, to put that case forward as best we can. And certainly we’re very pleased to see this advancement for the protection of workers, the workers’ health and safety across this province, which we see with this bill.

So with that, Mr. Deputy Speaker, I would move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 138, The Workers’ Compensation (Extending Firefighter Coverage) Amendment Act, 2023.

The Deputy Speaker: — The member has moved to adjourn debate on Bill No. 138. Is that agreed?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

The Deputy Speaker: — Carried.

Bill No. 140

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Ms. Eyre that Bill No. 140 — The Miscellaneous Statutes Repeal Act, 2023 be now read a second time.]

The Deputy Speaker: — I recognize the member from Saskatoon Eastview.

Mr. Love: — Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Real excited to be on my feet to talk to this piece of legislation, Bill No. 140, The Miscellaneous Statutes Repeal Act of 2023.

Looks like we’ve got a blast from the past here looking at some pieces of legislation from a long time ago, well before I took my seat here, well before I was born for most of these. And I think that goes, I think, for most members of the Assembly. You know, we’ve got things like An Act to Incorporate the Catholic Women’s League from 1920. I’m sure that was a valuable piece of legislation at the time but it was 103 years ago, so time to update and repeal some of these.

There’s a couple I want to point out, mostly for fun reasons this afternoon. One that struck me as interesting: The Names of Homes Act, 1941. I don’t know, Mr. Deputy Speaker, does your home have a name? Mine does. Mine does. Any guesses? I’ve got a fun name that you can name.

So my home is called the “Love shack.” I think it works. A little laughter, okay. I mean it works for me. I don’t think you should call your house that or people will be asking a lot of questions if you call yourself . . . That’s my name. You can’t have it.

But anyway that was from 1941, The Names of Homes Act. I don’t think it was about just naming your individual home. Probably something else. I haven’t read it, but it’s being repealed.

Another one, The Act to Incorporate the Wildlife Foundation of Saskatchewan, 1971, nine years before I was born. So do the math and I’ll be turning 44 this January. Yeah, 44. I think it’s going to be a good year.

But we’re obviously repealing some old things . . . [inaudible interjection] . . . I do. I do look like I’m 24. Thank you to my seatmate.

You know, it’s interesting some of the things that showed up here that need to be repealed. It’s like the more things change the more they stay the same. We’re still talking about housing. We’re still talking about conservation. We’re still talking about caring for the planet, for Creation, whatever you want to call it. You know, we’re still considering a lot of these things that were considered by folks who sat in this Assembly in generations past.

But it’s time to repeal some of these that have worn out their lifespan, and so that’s what we’re doing here. I’ll continue to listen to my colleagues in opposition as they have comments to put on the record, but at this time I’ll move that we adjourn debate on Bill 140.

The Deputy Speaker: — The member has moved to adjourn debate on Bill 140. Is that agreed?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

The Deputy Speaker: — Carried.

Bill No. 141

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Ms. Eyre that Bill No. 141 — The Statute Law Amendment Act, 2023 be now read a second time.]

The Deputy Speaker: — I recognize the member from Saskatoon Eastview.

Mr. Love: — Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. I’ll be fairly quick on this one, Bill 141, The Statute Law Amendment Act, 2023. Mostly housekeeping here and some changes. It appears as though this legislation is fixing some spelling and grammar and cross-referencing mistakes as well as replacing references to Her Majesty the Queen with “the Crown,” as well as changing of language, specifically pronouns, removing mention of “his” or “her” to “their,” to be gender-neutral as we move forward.

Interesting, isn’t it? As we sat in this Assembly for 14 hours a day, an emergency session that cost taxpayers untold . . . hundreds of thousands of dollars and some that we’re still interested to find out, for the first emergency sitting in a quarter century to debate what kids call each other on the playground and in the hallways at school. And here we are in our regularly scheduled programming of this Assembly to make these changes. So I don’t know. I’m kind of speechless. I’m speechless, you know, when we reflect on what we went through and the priorities and misplaced priorities of this government, calling this House back for a special sitting when we have literal waterfalls going through schools. We’ve got all sorts of, you know, pressures in our health care system and failings . . .

The Deputy Speaker: — Member, would you please stick to the bill.

Mr. Love: — Okay, I’ll get back to the pronouns in this bill. Again it’s changing the reference from “his” or “hers” to “their.” Doesn’t seem especially controversial, does it? I mean we’re even calling them, you know, housekeeping. Housekeeping. Like, we’re going to use an inclusive term like “their” when referring to His Majesty or Her Majesty. I’ve got no concerns about that, for the record.

But I will thank the folks who draft these bills and do so in a thoughtful way to ensure that there are no mistakes. And they also put in that thoughtfulness to ensure that inclusive language will be the standard as we move forward. And with that, Mr. Deputy Speaker, I’ll move that we adjourn debate on Bill 141.

The Deputy Speaker: — The member has moved to adjourn debate on Bill 141. Is that agreed?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

The Deputy Speaker: — Carried.

Bill No. 142

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Mr. Duncan that Bill No. 142 — The Miscellaneous Statutes (Utility Line Locates) Amendment Act, 2023 be now read a second time.]

The Deputy Speaker: — I recognize the member from Regina Elphinstone-Centre.

Ms. Conway: — Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. It’s a pleasure to enter into debate on Bill No. 142, The Miscellaneous Statutes (Utility Line Locates) Amendment Act, 2023. Just for the viewing public and context here, Mr. Deputy Speaker, anyone who is going to be digging around utility lines now, according to this Act amending the bill, has to provide three working days’ notice to SaskTel, SaskPower, or SaskEnergy as applicable, whereas previously it was 48 hours. Obviously safety is important, Mr. Deputy Speaker, not only for private citizens but for Crown employees. It’s good to have consistency amongst the Crowns. Certainly we support this change under this Act.

And it’s an opportunity just to take stock of our Crowns in this province and the importance of them, Mr. Deputy Speaker. They play a crucial role in our province and in our economy. SaskPower, SaskTel, SaskEnergy — they provide essential services to the people across Saskatchewan, and that is why the Saskatchewan NDP opposition will continue to fight to defend our Crowns from sell-off, from privatization, Mr. Deputy Speaker.

One of the key benefits of public Crowns, of course, is the ability to ensure critical services to all citizens regardless of profitability, regardless of their location. And in a vast province like ours, our Crowns have been absolutely beyond . . . [inaudible interjection] . . . beyond censure, exactly. Have been extremely valuable, Mr. Deputy Speaker.

Public Crowns contribute to our economy. They provide good-paying jobs. They ensure that profits generated by any of their economic activity can be reinvested in the infrastructure, in the health care, in the education, in the other public services that Saskatchewan people rely on.

[14:45]

They also provide an opportunity, Mr. Deputy Speaker, for the government to be nimble and react in the public interest when we see things like this unprecedented generational cost-of-living crisis. One would think that in a province like ours where we have public Crowns that we rely on, that would be an excellent opportunity to wield those Crowns in a way that protects Saskatchewan people to some extent from some of the worst impacts of that cost-of-living crisis, which we know from data is impacting Saskatchewan people almost more than anyone else in the country, Mr. Deputy Speaker.

That is the value of our Crowns, and we’ve been disappointed to see this Sask Party government fail to explore the potential of our Crowns in that regard, Mr. Deputy Speaker. They furthermore, our public Crowns, ensure accountability. They ensure transparency in the delivery of services.

With that, Mr. Deputy Speaker, again this is a change that seems to make a lot of sense. It’s a change that will make workers safer and it’s a change that I believe we are in full support on this side of the House. So with that, I will move to adjourn debate on Bill 142, The Miscellaneous Statutes (Utility Line Locates) Amendment Act, 2023.

The Deputy Speaker: — The member has moved to adjourn debate on Bill 142. Is that agreed?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

The Deputy Speaker: — Carried.

Bill No. 143

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Mr. Cockrill that Bill No. 143 — The Child Care Amendment Act, 2023/Loi modificative de 2023 sur les garderies d’enfants be now read a second time.]

The Deputy Speaker: — I recognize the member from Saskatoon Fairview.

Ms. Mowat: — Thank you very much, Mr. Deputy Speaker. It’s my pleasure to enter into debate today on Bill No. 143, The Child Care Amendment Act, 2023.

There’s a number of changes that are being proposed in this legislation, Mr. Speaker, a lot of technical changes around how child care centres operate, about how your licence can be . . . If you lose your licence, you can’t reapply for a year. You must pay fees, do training. So there’s a lot of those details, Mr. Speaker.

But there are a lot of other things that could be addressed in this legislation. There are a number of child care providers that have been coming forward that have been expressing grave concerns with how the industry is operating right now under this government’s watch. We know that we have been waiting for affordable child care in our country since when Stephen Harper was first elected. I remember that was his first move as Prime Minister, was to say that he wasn’t going forward with the national child care plan, Mr. Speaker. So that was probably like 2005. So it’s been a very long time coming.

This government has a responsibility to do its part. We know that child care is essential for folks to participate in the economy that’s in . . . you know, not common anymore to only have one spouse working. And we know that with the pressures of inflation today it is nearly impossible to support a family on one income, so child care becomes absolutely essential to ensuring that there is a workforce today in this province, Mr. Speaker.

And we need to make sure that these folks who are caring for our children are well compensated for that work, and what we’re hearing now is that it is basically impossible to live on child care salary and for child care centres to operate under this current structure. We’ve heard from daycare owners that have showed up multiple times at this legislature to tell us that this government is moving at a snail’s pace when it comes to processing applications — completely unreasonable.

Mr. Speaker, for anyone who’s trying to operate a business, you know that even a month is a huge amount of time in operating a business. And we don’t have confidence at this point that the minister is capable of providing the oversight when child care providers are telling us that they’re not getting a response from the ministry.

The Sask Party government has only created 37 per cent of their targeted new spaces for year one, Mr. Speaker, and the target was 6,000 new spaces. We’ve had a number of folks that have come forward to speak out about this. One was Antonietta Harris who came to the legislature, an owner of a Regina daycare, who said, “I need a timeline so I can plan my business.” I think most of us can empathize with that, Mr. Speaker, and understand why this action needs to be taken now.

Nichole Kessel has been to the legislature twice now and her child care facility, Wiggles and Giggles in Whitewood, is now closed, Mr. Speaker, because of the challenges she was facing. It’s the opposite of creating new spaces, Mr. Speaker. Megan Schmidt, director of First Years Learning Center in Regina, said, “We are not meeting the goal of accessible child care for all Saskatchewan children.”

There is a tremendous amount of work that needs to be done here, Mr. Speaker. It is very important. This government needs to create it as a priority and we need to see more work done on this. We’ll continue to consult on this legislation, Mr. Speaker. I know my colleagues will want to weigh in and will have many important questions. But with that I would move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 143 for today.

The Deputy Speaker: — The member has moved to adjourn debate on Bill No. 143. Is that agreed?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

The Deputy Speaker: — Carried.

Bill No. 144

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Mr. Merriman that Bill No. 144 — The Police (Miscellaneous) Amendment Act, 2023 be now read a second time.]

The Deputy Speaker: — I recognize the member from Saskatoon Fairview.

Ms. Mowat: — Thank you very much, Mr. Deputy Speaker. I’m pleased to enter into debate today, this time on Bill No. 144, The Police (Miscellaneous) Amendment Act, 2023. A large thrust of this legislation, Mr. Speaker, is to create the structure of the government pet project that is the marshals service that no one was asking for, Mr. Speaker. It seems to be their response is to create something new, create an announcement instead of creating a plan, Mr. Speaker, for how to meaningfully address crime, the mental health concerns, the addictions concerns that we have across this province, Mr. Speaker.

And we know that the reaction to crime and policing is one side of the equation, but we also need to look at the social determinants of crime, why people will commit crimes in the first place and what their life circumstances are that have led to that situation. So you know, we call those upstream effects, sources, whatever you want to call them, Mr. Speaker. We need to make sure that people are set up well in life and are able to be looked after and we’re creating a society that is going to be able to benefit all people of this province.

So one of the things that we’ve been critical about with the marshals service — and we’ve heard a number of criticisms come forward — is the fact that, you know, we could simply see an investment into our existing police forces, our local police forces, the RCMP [Royal Canadian Mounted Police], Mr. Speaker. Provide those services there rather than creating a whole separate service.

There hasn’t been rationale and justification for why this marshals service is required and what would distinguish them, so we have called on the government to scrap the marshals service and to reinvest half of those dollars into policing and half of those dollars into mental health and addictions treatments, Mr. Speaker. And we have heard very good feedback on that approach and that commitment of what an NDP government would bring forward.

There are significant concerns with this government’s approach to policing and their lack of success in that field, Mr. Speaker, and I know a lot of folks will have continued questions about this. But I would move that we adjourn on Bill No. 144 for today.

The Deputy Speaker: — The member has moved that we adjourn debate on Bill No. 144. Is that agreed?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

The Deputy Speaker: — Carried.

Bill No. 145

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Ms. Eyre that Bill No. 145 — The Funeral and Cremation Services (Legal Decision-Maker Protection) Amendment Act, 2023 be now read a second time.]

The Deputy Speaker: — I recognize the member from Regina Walsh Acres.

Mr. Clarke: — Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. It’s a pleasure to be on my feet today to speak to Bill 145, The Funeral and Cremation Services (Legal Decision-Maker Protection) Amendment Act of 2023.

Of course we’re very happy to see this amendment coming to the floor of the Assembly. I know my colleagues from Regina University and Regina Douglas Park have spoken at length as to the impetus as to why this amendment is necessary and important for parents who have lost a child, and bringing clarity as to how decisions over the funeral services and cremation services occur. So we are very happy to be seeing this.

You know, I can’t imagine, Mr. Deputy Speaker, what it would be like to be in this situation. And so I commend the government for moving on this piece and making sure that, you know, the parent that is actively engaged in raising that child is the one who is able to make the decisions around the funeral service. So with that, Mr. Deputy Speaker, I would move to adjourn debate on Bill 145.

The Deputy Speaker: — The member has moved to adjourn debate on Bill 145. Is that agreed?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

The Deputy Speaker: — Carried.

Bill No. 146

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Ms. Eyre that Bill No. 146 — The King’s Bench Consequential Amendments Act, 2023 be now read a second time.]

The Deputy Speaker: — I recognize the member from Regina Walsh Acres.

Mr. Clarke: — Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Again it’s good to be speaking to Bill No. 146, The King’s Bench Consequential Amendments Act of 2023. Again, Mr. Deputy Speaker, this is a fairly straightforward housekeeping Act, looking to replace all of the references to the “Queen’s Bench” to the “King’s Bench.”

So I don’t have a lot to say. I know the member from Saskatoon Nutana gave us a riveting history of the value of our monarchy to our government system. I’m not going to go there today, Mr. Deputy Speaker, but I’ll move to adjourn debate on Bill 146.

The Deputy Speaker: — The member has moved to adjourn debate on Bill No. 146. Is that agreed?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

The Deputy Speaker: — Carried.

Bill No. 148

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Ms. Eyre that Bill No. 148 — The Film Content Information Act be now read a second time.]

The Deputy Speaker: — I recognize the member from Regina Walsh Acres.

Mr. Clarke: — Thank you again, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Happy to enter in on the conversation on Bill No. 148, The Film Content Information Act.

You know, the film industry was a thriving industry in Saskatchewan for a long time, Mr. Deputy Speaker, and it was really disappointing to see the film tax credit be cut and gutted by the Sask Party government. And on the doorstep in both 2020 and in the by-election, you know, the loss of that film tax credit came up time and time again.

And personally, Mr. Deputy Speaker, I had friends who are very active in the film industry, were very excited to be a part of that industry in this province, and have since had to move out of this province to secure employment. And so it’s really disappointing that that transpired.

However to the contents of the bill here, you know, looking at ensuring that the public be informed on the classification of these films — you know, whether they contain violence or inappropriate sexual content — it’s good to have clarity here, you know, so that individuals in the public can take responsibility to inform themselves about what is going to be seen in the movie or the film. I know as a parent that’s always a concern, you know. Is this appropriate for my child or children to be watching? So as a parent I think this is a great move.

There is questions, I think, Mr. Deputy Speaker, about where this Act will apply. Are these just films being rented out in a film store? Is this films that are being seen in a theatre? Is this films on Netflix or Crave, Disney+? What is the breadth of enforcing the film regulations here? Will they apply to films that are being viewed over the internet on some of the other platforms?

[15:00]

But in general, Mr. Deputy Speaker, happy to see this Act coming forward providing some clarity. And with that I will move to adjourn debate on Bill 148.

The Deputy Speaker: — The member has moved to adjourn debate on Bill 148. Is that agreed?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

The Deputy Speaker: — Carried.

Bill No. 149

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Ms. Eyre that Bill No. 149 — The Franchise Disclosure Act be now read a second time.]

The Deputy Speaker: — I recognize the member from Saskatoon Eastview.

Mr. Love: — Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. This will be my first of three in a row here, so I’ll try and keep it tight on a few of these here. I’m getting thumbs up from the other side. It’s not going to be that good. You can go back to whatever you were doing. Yeah, okay. Oh, they’re going to take a break. They’re going to take a little breather when I let them know I was up here for three. Okay.

Well yeah, so I’m talking right now about Bill 149, The Franchise Disclosure Act. And you know, I did actually read the minister’s comments on this, indicating at second reading that this is the first legislation of this kind in Saskatchewan that hopefully provides protections for both franchiser and franchisee and provides some clarity as far as a legal framework and legislative framework for those relationships, which is absolutely important.

And quite kind of surprised that we didn’t have this. I’m not engaged in that world, but you know, it’s a little surprising that we didn’t have that already in Saskatchewan, not that we’re the last province in Canada by any means to get there. I can also tell from the minister’s comments that this legislation is largely reflected in other places like British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island.

So you know, I think that folks will need more time to have a look at this to ensure that we are aligned in details with what’s already out there that we’ve learned, you know, having a look at legislation in other provinces. Have they needed to amend that or update that? How long has that legislation been in place? Has this bill gone through adequate consultation with informed stakeholders, concerned members of the public? Those are all questions that we continue to have here with this legislation.

One thing that I think I’ll voice support for is again trying to bring us into alignment with other provinces that have gone down this path. But there’s still lots to ask, lots of folks to weigh in here, which I know that we’ll do and our critic will do to ensure that this has been done in a thoughtful way with fulsome consultation. But at this time I will move that we adjourn debate on Bill 149, The Franchise Disclosure Act.

The Deputy Speaker: — The member has moved to adjourn debate on Bill No. 149. Is that agreed?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

The Deputy Speaker: — Carried.

Bill No. 150

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Ms. Eyre that Bill No. 150 — The Securities (Saskatchewan Investors Protection) Amendment Act, 2023 be now read a second time.]

The Deputy Speaker: — I recognize the member from Saskatoon Eastview.

Mr. Love: — Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. I’ll be fairly brief again on this one, Bill No. 150, The Securities (Saskatchewan Investors Protection) Amendment Act. My understanding is that this bill establishes that the Saskatchewan Securities Commission can designate independent dispute resolution service, or IDRS, to create its own standards and can make orders that are “in the public interest” is the terminology used in the bill.

I think that that alone, the phrase “in the public interest” is very broad. It could mean a lot of things. So certainly we’re looking forward to this piece of legislation going through the normal process that will allow weeks and months again for stakeholders to weigh in and help us to understand the breadth of that term “in the public interest” with relation to this legislation.

One thing that I think is positive to see here is to see a maximum penalty change from $100,000 to $1 million. That’s a big increase but I think that it will bring us in line with what is already happening in other provinces, which is a good thing.

Beyond that, I know that our critic will continue to listen to folks and consult and ensure that the government has done their homework on this bill, including listening and consulting with concerned stakeholders. But at this time, I’ll conclude my remarks and move that we adjourn debate on Bill 150.

The Deputy Speaker: — The member has moved that we adjourn debate on Bill No. 150. Is that agreed?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

The Deputy Speaker: — Carried.

Bill No. 151

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Mr. Duncan that Bill No. 151 — The SaskEnergy (Carbon Tax Fairness for Families) Amendment Act, 2023 be now read a second time.]

The Deputy Speaker: — I recognize the member from Saskatoon Eastview.

Mr. Love: — Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. This is a very interesting piece of legislation that I know folks will want to weigh in on around the province, and maybe even across Canada, potentially even beyond, as it raises a lot of big questions that we’re trying to address here in Saskatchewan.

I think that there’s a lot of lingering questions out there, Mr. Deputy Speaker, that we can’t simply as an opposition absolve ourselves from our duties in opposition which is to consult, talk to stakeholders, talk to concerned citizens, legal experts, certainly on this piece of legislation. We’re not just here to rubber-stamp this, even though there are certainly aspects of this that we very much agree with and have been crystal clear on that, inside and outside this Assembly.

But again, just because we agree on so many, so many key parts of this bill, doesn’t mean that we can simply rubber-stamp it and not do our job in opposition, which we do take very seriously.

We certainly agree that SaskEnergy shouldn’t have carbon tax applied after January 1st because this failing and flailing federal government has decided to carve out some exemptions for heating oil in the Atlantic provinces. That wasn’t the right thing to do. Clearly motivated by political reasons and they’re looking at their dwindling support and making decisions that are not in the interests of all Canadians, or in the interests of fairness and some of these values that we share across provinces. They’re making decisions that are driven by partisan politics and that’s not the right way to govern. Absolutely.

So we agree that SaskEnergy shouldn’t have carbon tax applied after January 1 and that the direction of the federal government has gone down as one that is advantaging some regions of Canada, when we believe, and I think we share this value in fairness with members opposite. What we are doing is we’re being crystal clear that we oppose the federal carbon tax.

We’re also saying that we think that folks in Saskatchewan need a break at the pumps. And so we’ve called . . . I know my seatmate, the member from Regina Rosemont, has called on this government, put forward a motion last week, called on this government to pause the fuel tax for six months, that that would have a real impact on folks in Saskatchewan who are struggling to make ends meet. And giving them a break when they go to fill up their tank would mean a lot to families, families in every corner of this province who are struggling to afford the price of groceries, afford the price of rent, afford the price of their kids’ activities — all of those things that . . . many of these things that this government has added PST to during their time in government, making them more expensive. Folks need a break.

And so I think that that is something that we’ve called for, and that doesn’t mean that we also don’t — we’ve been very clear — don’t support the carbon tax and agree that SaskEnergy shouldn’t have carbon tax applied after January 1st when those changes come in, in the Atlantic provinces.

The other thing that we’re doing is we’re consulting with legal experts on whether this bill holds any actual constitutional weight and that there’s a lot of work that needs to be done here. And so that’s going to take time. As we’ve seen this government in the past rush through, rush through legislation that legal experts are currently weighing in on, legislation that’s before the courts, before the courts that they’ve rushed through in the past.

We think that we need to give a little bit of time here to ensure that legal experts can weigh in on this one. And we certainly wouldn’t be doing our job if we didn’t give that time because there’s a lot of questions that still linger out there.

With that being said, Mr. Deputy Speaker, I’ll conclude my remarks at this time and continue to listen to my colleagues in opposition, especially our critics in relevant areas to this legislation as they’re doing their due diligence to listen to concerned citizens, stakeholders, legal experts in our province.

But at this time I will conclude my remarks and move that we adjourn debate on Bill 151, The SaskEnergy (Carbon Tax Fairness for Families) Amendment Act of 2023. Thank you.

The Deputy Speaker: — The member has moved to adjourn debate on Bill No. 151. Is that agreed?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

The Deputy Speaker: — Carried. I recognize the Government House Leader.

Hon. Mr. J. Harrison: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move that this House do now adjourn.

The Deputy Speaker: — The House Leader has moved that this Assembly do now adjourn. Is that agreed?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

The Deputy Speaker: — Carried. This Assembly now stands adjourned until tomorrow at 1:30.

[The Assembly adjourned at 15:11.]

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